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Choosing Between a PBN and Authentic Brands with Quality Content
Exploring State-Specific Websites for My Event Business
I’m in the event business, and my goal is to expand promotion across multiple states. I’m considering creating a unique website for each state where we operate. Each site would feature localized content such as state-specific events, industry news, and more.
After a few months of development, I’m planning to link all these sites in the footer under “Our Other Locations,” connecting them as a cohesive network. For instance, if there’s a page on “Best Restaurants in CA,” I’d like to include links to relevant articles from the NY site like “You may be interested in ‘Best Restaurants in NY.’” These links would be dofollow, leading to other state-specific sites.
I don’t have a singular “money site,” but I want these websites to be perceived as partners. My intention isn’t to hide my ownership or create sites for spammy purposes. The aim is to capitalize on the business opportunities that state-specific targeting offers.
My main concern is: Will Google view this strategy as problematic, or am I overthinking it because of too much online chatter?
Large corporations have “Our Partners” sections linking to their subsidiaries, and while they likely have more insights than I do, I’m cautious about taking unnecessary risks.
I prefer not to use nofollow for these links, as I’d love for visitors to naturally explore more relevant content by following these links.
I’m currently educating myself about PBNs and learning what to avoid. From my understanding, PBNs often consist of blog posts without real brand identity or unique content.
I appreciate any insights you can offer! Thank you, and wishing everyone the best during these challenging times. 🤠
In Summary: If each website hosts original content and serves as more than just a backlink repository, is there an issue with hosting 40 sites on a single IP with shared analytics?
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2 responses to “PBNs or authentic brands with quality content?”
When considering whether to create state-specific websites for your event business, it’s important to examine the potential benefits and pitfalls from an SEO perspective. Here’s a detailed examination of your approach, formatted in Markdown:
Understanding PBNs vs. Real Brands
Private Blog Networks (PBNs) are often used in SEO as a method to manipulate search engine rankings by building a network of websites that link back to a primary “money site.” These sites typically have little real content and their sole purpose is to funnel link equity to the main site. Google considers this a violation of their guidelines, and sites caught using this tactic risk penalties or de-indexing.
Key Differences:
Frequently hidden ownership or obfuscated connections.
Real Brand Characteristics:
Your Strategy Explained
Given your explanation, your approach seems to align more closely with building legitimate, state-specific extensions of your brand rather than creating a PBN. Here’s why:
Quality Content: You plan to create unique, valuable content specific to each state, which is crucial for user engagement and SEO.
Transparency: You’re not seeking to hide ownership but rather to openly associate the different state-specific sites. This transparency aligns with the practice of legitimate business subsidiaries rather than a PBN.
Proper Linkage: Your idea of interlinking relevant content between states (e.g., recommending related content in different states) can enhance user experience without being manipulative, provided it is done naturally and contextually.
Concerns with Google’s Guidelines
Though your approach isn’t akin to a PBN, here are some considerations to ensure you stay within Google’s good graces:
Using terms like “Our Locations” is a commonsensical way to interlink similar sites with shared ownership.
seo Best Practices:
Avoid duplicate content across sites, as this could lead to indexing issues.
Technical Elements:
This is an interesting strategy you’re considering, and it’s great to see you focusing on unique, localized content rather than falling into the common pitfalls of PBNs. Your approach of creating genuine, state-specific websites with valuable content can certainly align well with Google’s focus on quality and user experience. Here are a few points to consider as you move forward:
1. **Content Quality and Value**: Ensure that each site has comprehensive, well-researched, and engaging content. Google rewards sites that provide valuable information to users. Exploring local events, culture, or trends can add a distinctive touch that truly makes each site feel authentic.
2. **Link Structure**: Your idea of linking related sites can help users find additional relevant information, enhancing their experience. Just ensure that the links are contextually relevant and not overdone. It might be beneficial to categorize your content clearly to facilitate navigation.
3. **Avoiding Detection**: While your intent is to create a cohesive network, Google does monitor patterns that could signify manipulative practices. Consider diversifying your hosting solutions, possibly using different IPs or hosting providers for some sites to mitigate risks associated with being flagged for having multiple sites from a single footprint.
4. **Local SEO Benefits**: Focusing on state-specific content will give you a significant advantage in local SEO. Consider integrating local keywords, engaging with local influencers, and employing strategies like local backlinking to further strengthen your visibility in those regions.
5. **Partnerships and Collaborations**